The Parlimag Poll: MEP personal safety

With an increasing number of policymakers expressing real concerns over their personal safety, both online and in their day-to-day lives, The Parliament Magazine conducted a survey of MEPs and the dangers that they face. The responses we received exposed not only an alarming reality but also a stark contrast between the experiences of male and female parliamentarians.

By The Parliament Magazine

16 Mar 2021

@Parlimag

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FEAR FOR PERSONAL SAFETY

Although the majority of MEPs (58%) had not feared for their safety since becoming an MEP, the remainder had. This fear was more prevalent among female MEPs, with 50% fearing for their safety, compared to 33% among males.

DEATH THREATS

A staggering 33% of MEPs have received a death threat. The number of female MEPs receiving such threats was significantly higher at 39%.

THREATS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Of the MEPs polled, 23% had received a threat of sexual violence. Disturbingly, female MEPs were NINE times more likely to have received such a threat (44% versus 5% among male MEPs).

POLICE INTERVENTION

Over a third of MEPs (36%) have contacted the police following a threat to them, their staff, or family. The rate was higher for female MEPs (39% versus 30% for male MEPs).

Although the vast majority of MEPs (87%) have not had to seek police protection because of threats, just over one in ten have had to seek such protection. Again, this is higher among female MEPs (17%) than among males (10%).

The research was collected from among 46 MEPS (54% male and 46% female) between the 23 February and 5 March.